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Toothache Symptoms & Causes

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Toothache Symptoms & Causes”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.


[1]What Is A Toothache?

A toothache is a pain in or around a tooth. Minor toothaches can come from a temporary gum irritation that you can treat at home. More serious toothaches are caused by dental and mouth problems that won’t get better on their own and will need to be treated by a dentist.

Why Is My Toothache So Painful?

The pulp inside your tooth is soft material filled with nerves, tissues and blood vessels. These pulp nerves are among the most sensitive in your body. When these nerves are irritated or infected by bacteria (abscess), they can cause severe pain.

What Are Symptoms Of Toothache?

Tooth pain that may be sharp, throbbing, or constant. In some people, pain results only when pressure is applied to the tooth (biting down on something).

  • Swelling around the tooth.
  • Fever or headache.
  • Foul-tasting drainage from the infected tooth.
  • A bad odor from the mouth.

If you experience trouble breathing and swallowing along with your pain, call a dental professional right away.

[2]Could It Be A Damaged Tooth?

Your teeth come under attack every time you eat. Bacteria cling to them until you brush them away. They produce acid, which makes the holes in your enamel called cavities.

Or you could have a crack in a tooth that’s exposed the sensitive inner layers. Maybe you bit down on a cherry pit or were hit in the face during softball.

A cavity or a crack can cause sharp pain and make your mouth sensitive when you bite down. The longer the pain lingers, the more serious the damage is likely to be.

If it’s deep enough, a cavity or crack can let bacteria into the inner layer, called pulp, of your tooth. The pulp can become infected, and that can lead to a buildup of pus called an abscess. The infection can spread to tissue and bone, too.

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

This is a common problem brought on by stress, sleep disorders, or a bite issue. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, it can wear away your enamel and even cause a crack.

Could It Be Your Wisdom Teeth?

Teething hurts whether you’re a baby or an adult. You’re likely to feel it when your wisdom teeth start to push through your gums. Food can get stuck under the gum and cause decay and infection.

[3]Toothache: Symptoms & Signs

The symptoms of toothache include sharp pain or dull pain in or around a tooth. The most common cause of a toothache is a dental cavity as a result of tooth decay. Dental cavities and toothache can be prevented by proper oral hygiene. Another common cause of toothache is gum disease. Toothache can also be a result of an injury or an abscess of the tooth. Toothache symptoms can be caused by a problem that does not originate from a tooth or the jaw. Symptoms of a toothache can be mimicked by sinus infection, shingles, and other diseases.

[4]What To Know About Throbbing Tooth Pain?

Throbbing tooth pain usually indicates that there is an injury or infection in the mouth. In most cases, this will be a cavity or an abscess.

A person cannot diagnose the cause of throbbing tooth pain based on their symptoms alone, and it is not always possible to see injuries or abscesses. Therefore, it is important to see a dentist for throbbing tooth pain as soon as possible.

This article discusses the most likely causes of throbbing tooth pain and their treatments.

Causes

There are many possible causes of throbbing tooth pain, and the cause will determine the treatment options.

Dental Appliances

New or recently adjusted dental appliances, especially braces or orthodontic headgear, slowly move the teeth. This movement can cause pain and feelings of pressure. A person may feel throbbing throughout the mouth or in a specific area.

This pain is not dangerous, and it is not typically a sign that something is seriously wrong.

A person can usually manage the pain with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as ibuprofen.

However, if the pain is unbearable or does not improve in a few days, a person should see an orthodontist.

Caries And Cavities

Dental caries refers to decay in the teeth. Significant decay can cause cavities, which are holes or pits in the teeth.

While some very severe cavities may cause visible holes, it is not always possible to see tooth decay. A throbbing tooth may be a sign that decay has damaged the tooth enough to injure the nerve and cause pain.

A dentist can treat caries and cavities, with the extent of the damage determining the precise treatment. Sometimes, a filling will suffice, but for more severe damage, a person may need a root canal, tooth extraction, or other procedure.

Dental Infections

An infection in the tooth or gums can cause throbbing pain, as well as other symptoms, including swelling in the face or mouth.

These infections usually appear when a person does not seek treatment for a severe cavity, but they can also happen following oral surgery or injuries to the mouth. Dental infections may grow or spread, so they require prompt treatment.

In most cases, a person will need antibiotics, as well as treatment for the underlying cause. They might require a root canal, tooth removal, oral surgery, or other treatment.

OTC pain relievers may help while a person awaits care. However, a person should see a dentist as quickly as they can — ideally, within a day or two.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache
  2. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/toothache
  3. https://www.medicinenet.com/toothache/symptoms.htm
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/throbbing-tooth-pain#causes

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